Prayer and Fasting Guide
August 24-30
We have already focused upon the phrase “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Meaning there are some things we are called to that requires more that physical strength and the need to discipline our minds.
Remember what Christ instructed the disciples to do while they were with him in the garden? They were told to “keep watch” and “pray”.
Let’s keep this with us as we proceed through this week.
There are two passages of Scripture we will meditate and pray through this week. Hebrews 12 and Romans 12.
In Romans 12:1-2 we are “urged” to “present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice.”
We should be aware that we sometimes attempt things that require honor of God and the careful treatment of each other in a way that doesn’t accomplish either. These two disciplines do not war against each other. They are how Jesus answered the pharasees, It is stated in our purpose in the proposed Constitution:
“To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31). We are called to pursue holiness, deepen our relationship with God, and extend His love to all people, reflecting His character in our lives.”
Pray for spiritual strength to do what the flesh is too weak to do.
For the glory of God alone.
Monday August 25
READ Romans 12:1-13 (NASB)
Meditate on the HIGHLIGHTED Parts
We will use this passage for several exercises this week.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you mayprove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Tuesday, August 26
Meditate on Romans 12:1-13
Re-read the passage today and consider some questions.
What prase(s) does the Holy Spirit inspire the author to describe the church?
What are ways the “brethren” are to think of each other and behave toward each other?
Do you think of your ideas as more important than other ideas? Do you see yourself as more spiritual than others?
Should you?
Wednesday, August 27
Pray with each other.
We will gather, as is our custom, tonight for prayer with and for each other. This is one of the most endearing times throughout the week as we Read, Sing, and Pray through the words of God.
We don’t hope God will speak to us. He will speak to all who gather on Wednesday night. This is among the most glorious mysteries of our Christian life. When we read the Bible, God is speaking to us, not just one, When we sing, we are giving a sacrifice of praise to the Almighty. When we pray, we are responding to Him and asking Him to do accomplish His will among us.
Join us in the Thanksgiving Room at 6:30 PM.
Thursday, August 28
READ Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB)
Meditate on the HIGHLIGHTED Parts
We will use this passage for several exercises this week.
“1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
In this portion of the text, the Holy Spirit is exposing potential things that may hinder us from loving one another.
What are the things we should do and not do (according to Rom. 12:9-13)
Ask God to show you what needs attention in your heart (not other’s).
Ask God to show you how dangerous it is to not discipline our minds when we are relating to each other.
Friday, August 29
Meditate on Hebrews 12:1-3
Re-read the passage today and consider some questions.
What are WE instructed to do?
The language allows for singular and plural application. How do you apply these verses and how do we apply these verses?
What happens to the person if they are not participating in the local church?
What happens to he church when a individual members are participating?
What happens to a person if a local church is not functioning properly?
What happens to a church when a member does not participate?
Saturday, August 30
READ Romans 12:1-13 and Hebrews 12:1-3
In the Motion Draft of the Constitution, read Article III: Doctrinal Standards and Faith Section 1 Scriptural Authority
Article III: Doctrinal Standards and Faith
1: Scriptural Authority
We affirm the Holy Scriptures, comprised exclusively of the Old and New Testaments, as the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. Scripture alone is our ultimate authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice, fully sufficient for guiding us in every aspect of life and godliness (John 14:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21). We uphold the Scriptures as the final standard by which all teachings, traditions, natural revelation (Psalm 19), and personal convictions must be tested.
How will you instruct your whole being to apply Scripture to this? Does this article comply to the authoritative Word of God?
Pray for you and pray for our church.
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